of Assisi Cultivate Compassion

May - August 2018 The Essence of Assisi Cultivate Compassion Vol. 09, No. 03 Assisi Heights Spirituality Center Rochester, MN 55901 1001 14th Street NW www.rochesterfranciscan.org

Welcome Growing Compassion! We celebrate and salute the city of Rochester s designation as a City of Compassion! Our desire is to grow a culture of compassion as a unifying force in our community. It will take a village of villages to connect neighborhoods and weave compassion in the city. It is already happening in the wonderful compassionate actions that support respect, equity and kindness in multi-generational life in Rochester. So, what is Compassion? Compassion calls us to go where pain resides, to peripheral places of hurt, to share with the brokenhearted and those living in fear, confusion or anguish. Compassion summons us to weep with those in misery, to grieve with those who are lonely, and support those in tears. Compassion requires us to nurture the weak, to unburden the vulnerable and empower the powerless. Compassion means embracing humility, cultivating empathy and advocating respect for every human being. The Art of Seeing April 28, 9:00am-4:00pm It's not too late! $45 preregistered/prepaid, includes lunch. No registration at the door. This session includes a discussion about developing skills of seeing with a creative eye. A photo project will be assigned followed by a group review and critique of images by the class participants. What makes a successful or unsuccessful image will be shared. 2 For complete info, go to: www.rochesterfranciscan.org

The Assisi Heights Spirituality Center (AHSC) offers spiritual and educational programs which reflect the mission of the Sisters of Saint Francis to be a compassionate presence for peace in our world, striving for justice and reverence for all creation by providing a place of hope, prayer, reflection and enrichment. AHSC is located in beautiful Assisi Heights, home of the Sisters of Saint Francis. Assisi Heights Spirituality Center provides a sacred space for individuals or groups. We are open to all faith traditions. Come, withdraw from the cares, concerns and responsibilities of ordinary life to find quiet, rejuvenation and peace. We are here to serve you! Assisi Heights Spirituality Center is available for use by groups or organizations looking for a reflective space conducive for meetings, retreats and seminars. Host your next meeting or event here! Comfortable theater or classroom seating for up to 200 Our Mission Space may be reserved for half-day, full-day or multi-day events Use of Assisi Heights catering is required for any food services Built-in computer and LCD projection equipment available for a small fee Call 507-280-2195 or email ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org for available dates and rates. 3

Calendar at a Glance May 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 - Pope Francis and Franciscan Life for the 21st Century pg. 8 2 3 4 - Pocket Watercolor Journal Workshop pg. 8 5 - World Labyrinth Day pg. 9 6 7 - Ten Months at the Border pg. 10 8 - Mary, Untier of Knots pg. 10 9 - The Sound of Singing Bowls! pg. 11 10 11 12 - Mother s Day Luncheon pg. 11 13 14 15 16 - Stories in Stone pg. 12 17 18 19 - Lectio Divina pg. 12 20 21 - Hallowed Earth: Exploring Franciscan Values - Option 1 pg. 12 22 - A Green Pilgrimage - Option 1 pg. 13 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

June 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 - A Green Pilgrimage - Option 2 pg. 13 5 6 7 - Carrying My Brother pg. 13 8 9 10 11 - Hallowed Earth - Option 2 pg. 12 12 13 - Stories in Stone - Option 2 pg. 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 - Bridge Building pg. 14 29 30

July 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 - T ai Chi Chih in the Courtyard pg. 14 11 - A Green Pilgrimage - Option 3 pg. 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 - Stories in Stone - Option 3 pg. 12 22 23 24 25 26 27 - Outdoor Drumming Circle and Fire Ceremony pg. 15 28 29 30 31

August 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 - Enchanted Garden pg. 15 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Pope Francis and Franciscan Life for the 21st Century May 1, 6:30-7:30pm Donations appreciated Michael W. Blastic, OFM, a Friar Minor of the Holy Name of Jesus Province, New York, NY, will reflect on how Pope Francis has challenged us to be who we really are by listening anew to St. Francis and St. Clare. Fr. Michael is currently serving on the interprovincial Novitiate Formation Team in Santa Barbara, CA. He has given lectures, workshops and retreats to various audiences on Franciscan spirituality and theological tradition. Pocket Watercolor Journal Workshop with Tara Sweeney Friday, May 4, 7:00-9:00pm and Saturday, May 5, 9:00am-4:00pm $110 preregistered/prepaid. Does nature catch your attention and play with your memories? Tell your creative story in this art-making workshop using keen observation while outdoors. Learn the basics of mingling, journaling with sketching and painting from Tara Sweeney. She will guide you through this contemplative process using demonstrations, inspirations and individual feedback. With little or no experience, you will begin to create a unique story to fill your according pocket journal! Tara Sweeney has 40 years of teaching visual arts using pocket-sized supplies. Please obtain the following materials before attending: 8 Penalic Accordian Watercolor Journal (4 x6 ) is available for purchase at class for $11.10. STAEDTLER PIGMENT LINER PEN, 0.3 BLACK (this brand and model is essential to the technique demonstrated; there are other permanent pens but they don t do what this one does) Aquash WATERBRUSH, LARGE (this is different than a standard watercolor brush) Travel tin of good quality, portable, hard pan watercolors. (Instructor demonstrates with split primary limited palette: a warm and a cool yellow; a warm and a cool red;

a warm and a cool blue.) Ideally your watercolor set is postcard-sized or smaller, but a little larger will also work. If you already have a travel watercolor set use it, if you not purchase one, or create one with an empty travel palette or tin filled with your choice of pigments. a small unlined notebook, 3x5 minimum size pen of choice for journaling paper towels 2 ziploc bags large enough to stow wet palette and to protect sketchbook water bottle with squirt top to refill waterbrush rubber band and 2-4 small binder clips easy to carry bag or backpack for materials Portable painting furniture is optional; make sure anything you bring is easily carried along with your other materials. Dress appropriately with the weather in mind and wear comfortable shoes. World Labyrinth Day May 5, 12:00 1:00pm Donations appreciated The Labyrinth is an ancient symbol and purposeful path. It represents a journey to our own center and back into the world. It has long been used as a meditation and prayer. According to Veriditas, an organization that promotes labyrinths worldwide: they are used to quiet the mind, recover balance in life and encourage meditation, insight, selfreflection, stress reduction and to discover innovation and celebration. They are open to all people as an interfaith, cross-cultural blue print for well-being. The mind and the mind with the spirit. Come join us on World Labyrinth Day as we walk and experience the beautiful outdoor Labyrinth on the grounds at Assisi Heights. Elise Lewis, a Veriditas Trained Labyrinth facilitator who relishes walking labyrinths, will lead the way. 9

Ten Months at the Border May 7, 6:30-8:00pm Donations appreciated Hear the journey of one who spent ten months on the US/Mexican border living in solidarity with the poor. Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas is a hospitality house that provides accompaniment and advocacy to the poorest of the poor migrants and refugees. This year marks 40 years of service run entirely by volunteers and donations, sharing the life, and providing basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. Jane Greiling, a Rochester area resident and retired nurse, followed her inner call to serve. She fell in love with the mission and has just returned from an additional four months of service. Mary, Untier of Knots May 8, 2:30-3:30pm $10 preregistered/prepaid. $15 day of program. Mary, the untier of knots is the name of a Marian devotion originating in Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany. Sometimes, also named the undoer of knots, Mary was brought to life by a Bavarian painting in 1700. Pope Francis saw the image in Germany, and as a student, he promoted her veneration in Latin America especially in Brazil and Argentina. Knots are defined as problems, struggles, discord, or the very issues that suffocate the soul and withdraw joy and happiness from daily life. Come hear about this devotion. Mary Doucette, a Cojourner with the Sisters of Saint Francis, is a mother and grandmother who has employed "Mary, Untier of Knots" for many years in the everyday dilemmas of ordinary life. 10

The Sound of Singing Bowls! A Non- Traditional Gift to Treat Your Mother May 9, 6:30-8:00pm $10 preregistered/prepaid. $15 day of program. Celebrate your mother, yourself, or friends with an evening of calm relaxation. Despite the racket of the world, treat your mind, body and spirit to the Tibetan Singing Bowls. These traditional historic singing bowls produce sounds that invoke deep states of relaxation that open us up to the divine. Combined with poetry and prayer, we will remember the best of motherhood whether physical or by design. All are welcome including men! Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat if you choose to lie on the floor. Thomas Roberts, La Crosse WI, will bring you to a place of deep relaxation giving you inner balance and invigorating new energy. Happy New Day! Mother s Day Luncheon May 12, 12:30-2:00pm $28 preregistered/prepaid per person. Registration required one week in advance. Celebrate the day with mother! Bring your mother or another mother figure to enjoy a luncheon in the serene setting at Assisi Heights! Learn the history of Mother s Day and hear some mother-daughter stories. Another special presentation will bring joy to your heart. We have dusted the furniture, polished the floors and ironed the linens for your visit. Come experience the perfect pot of coffee or tea and savor refreshing cordials and tisanes. 11

Stories in Stone May 16, 6:30-8:00pm June 13, 6:30-8:00pm July 21, 6:30-8:00pm $10 preregistered/prepaid. $15 day of program. Assisi Heights has stories engraved in the walls. Literally! However, many more anecdotes tell the stories that chronicle the history hidden in the walls. Come up close and see some of the architectural features, aesthetic design aspects and a few of the often-overlooked artistic Franciscan features. Hear the stories embedded in stone. Unravel the mystic nature of Assisi Heights. Wear walking shoes for this indoor and outdoor event. Ken Allsen is an architectural historian residing in Rochester. He teaches regularly for the RCTC LIFE Program and is author of five books about architectural history in our region. Sister Marlys Jax has an architectural design degree with a passion for the story behind the stone. Lectio Divina May 19, 9:00-10:30am. Lectio Divina or Sacred Reading is a deliberate repetitive reading of a sacred text that leads to a restful feeling of being in the arms of God. It offers the opportunity to know and experience the goodness of God. The process is fourfold: reading, meditating, praying and contemplating. This prayer form is done in a group setting, though it can be done alone. Sister Marlys Jax, Program Coordinator of the Spirituality Center will facilitate this prayer form. Hallowed Earth: Exploring Franciscan Values May 21, 6:30-7:30pm June 11, 6:30-7:30pm $10 preregistered/prepaid. $15 day of program. Explore the topography of Assisi Height s 110 acres held sacred by Franciscan values of caring for the soil, respecting and living in harmony with the wildlife, and compassion for those who seek solace and peace by walking the earth. Experience some healing ways of cultivating personal renewal through this contemplative walk. Spiritual meditative practices will be incorporated while wandering the land. Wear walking shoes! Sister Marlys Jax, AHSC Program Coordinator, will guide this expedition. 12

Carrying My Brother: The Journey - Boystown, Nebraska June 7, 2:30-3:30pm Donations appreciated A Green Pilgrimage May 22, 6-30-7:30pm June 4, 6:30-7:30pm July 11, 6:30-7:30pm $10 preregistered/prepaid. $15 day of program. As winter has waned, the green season has dawned. The natural beauty of Assisi Heights is dressed up. Now is the opportune time for an environmental pilgrimage-on-foot strolling through the Temple of Nature. The serpentine road carves its way past a colossal cut of limestone to expose a wall creating the hilly topography of Assisi Heights. We will discuss the history of the land, conservation practices of prairie, solar panels and other environmental issues. Sister Marlys Jax will give an overview of the years of various environmental practices at Assisi Heights. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a walking stick if you so desire. Boystown is a story of Father Ed Flanigan, an Irish born priest who had an extraordinary vison and immense dedication that changed how America cares for its children. Boystown just celebrated a century of caring. Rochester resident, Gilbert Honerman, a teenager, together with his younger brother, Vic went to live in Omaha, Nebraska s Boystown. Hear his story of separation, living in a different world of discipline, study and responsibility. Hallowed Earth - Option 2 June 11, 6:30-7:30pm $10 preregistered/prepaid. $15 day of program. See page 12 for description. Stories in Stone - Option 2 June 13, 6:30-8:00pm $10 preregistered/prepaid. $15 day of program. See page 12 for description. 13

Bridge Building June 28, 2:30-3:30 pm Donations appreciated Bridges indicate a desire or need to get to the other side. Interaction begins on the other side. Relationships develop. Life happens. We think bridges are to learn about the other, but in truth, building bridges first and foremost, we learn about ourselves. Rabbi Michelle Werner expands the notion that building bridges is really about mirroring what we carry in our own hearts. Her delightful stories bring the Torah to life and reflect how we live in community. Rabbi Michelle Werner has been in Rochester for eleven years, leading the B nai Israel Synagogue. She has served around the world. She is an active bridge builder of the various civic issues in the community. T ai Chi Chih in the Courtyard July 10, 17, 24, 31 August 7, 14, 21, 28, 6:00-7:30pm $45 preregistered/prepaid. $50 day of program. Are you in search of peace of mind and improved health? Consider balancing and circulating your intrinsic energy of chi as the Chinese call it, in the tranquility of the Inner Courtyard at Assisi Heights. Begin at the 6pm sound of the bells and learn a set of 19 easy, slow meditative movements practiced by people around the globe. It is adaptive to any physical condition, age and requires no special equipment or dress. The rewards include tranquility, better health, and calmness. Other benefits may be physical, spiritual or emotional in nature. This is an 8 session series not a drop-in class. Bonnie Sokolov is an accredited instructor of T ai Chi Chih. She is adjunct professor at Rochester Community Technical College teaching meditation and T ai Chi Chih. A Green Pilgrimage - Option 3 July 11, 6:30-7:30pm $10 preregistered/prepaid. $15 day of program. See page 13 for description. Stories in Stone - Option 3 July 21, 6:30-8:00pm $10 preregistered/prepaid. $15 day of program. See page 12 for description. 14

Outdoor Drumming Circle and Fire Ceremony July 27, 7:00-9:00pm Donations appreciated Pre-registration required. Join us for a seasonal outdoor drumming circle and fire ceremony under the full moon. Drumming is a time-honored method of healing which helps us release tension, lift stress and dispel negative feelings, and restore energy. The drum has the ability to put us in touch with our own natural rhythms; the circle helps draw individual energies together. The beat of the drum represents our heart as we become grounded, and taken to a place deep inside where we are keenly aware of our unified mind and body and the connection between the two. Through the fire ceremony, we reconnect our oneness with the Divine Universe. During this drumming circle, we will bring a natural object, e.g. a stick, and blow our intention into it for whatever wants to be released or healed. With fire, we release what no longer serves as useful and reclaims the energy of a former behavior pattern with a new purpose. Dress appropriately and bring a chair and/ or blanket. Hosted by Omni Drummers. Enchanted Garden: An Afternoon Garden Party at Assisi Heights Charm School August 21 10:00am-3:30pm August 22 1:00pm-3:30pm $60 preregistered/prepaid. Registration required one week in advance. Calling all girls ages 9-12! Let s plan a garden party while learning about social graces. Join us for a two-day interactive workshop that includes table manners, decorum, proper introductions, selfesteem, poise, confidence, handling awkward social situations, etiquette and more. Day 1-10:00am-3:30pm. This is a day of meeting new friends and learning life skills including the art of entertaining, formal table setting, inner beauty, and presenting a positive attitude. Lunch will be provided. Casual attire is appropriate. Day 2-1:00-3:30pm. Party Time! An afternoon of fun is in store for the girls and an on-site guest. Participants will prepare for the garden party, welcome and introduce their honored guests. After the party, clean-up is in order followed by a group farewell. Party attire is appropriate for the day. 15

Volunteer Opportunities! Would you like to volunteer at Assisi Heights? We have opportunities to fit most schedules. Activities such as art classes, music sessions, art appreciation, registering participants for Spirituality Center programs, movies and more. Weekly or monthly celebration events are an option. Volunteer on your own or with a friend. Orientation provided. Performers, do you have a talent to share? Music, dance, magic, bird calls or another talent you would like to share. We welcome you group s dress rehearsal here. For more information call 507-282-7441 ext. 231 or email: kim.jaworski@assisiheights.org. 16

St. Francis found silence and solitude in his life in a little church he rebuilt after it had been abandoned and was in ruins. That renovated Church still exists today. St. Francis called it by its Italian name Portiuncula referring to a small portion of the land located in the Umbrian Valley near Assisi, Italy. The tiny chapel was given to Francis when he began his Order. This is where Francis gathered his brothers to pray. We follow the tradition of Francis and make available a little portion of space for you to feel welcomed to come to pray, reflect, relax and be renewed. You will find these characteristics: spacious views, walking trails, scenic grounds, summer florals, fall colors or winter whites, with seasonal creatures to greet you and a welcoming staff and residents to serve you. You will find pristine accommodations, a quiet atmosphere, a lovely chapel and various reflection spaces with nutritious meals in the dining room. Come to our restful space and make room for God. Advanced reservations required. Need a Time Out? How often have you had a feeling that you needed to take time away from the daily routine? It is hard to keep up with shopping, housecleaning and that neverending to-do list! At Assisi Heights, we know how essential and nurturing it is to take a personal time out. We re here to provide space that allows you to take time for YOU. Retreat From Your Busy Life For more information or to reserve this space, contact Angie Grimm: Call 507-280-2195 or email ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org 17

Things to know: Registration Registration for Assisi Heights Spirituality Center events may be completed online. Please visit our website at www.rochesterfranciscan.org and select the Events category. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover for all online registrations and require payment in full. If you would like to pay by check or cash, please register by email at ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org, by phone at 507-280-2195, or mail in the enclosed form. On-site Registration: If you do not preregister for an event, there will be an additional charge of $5, providing space is still available. Some events limit registration size and other events require that food service guarantees be made in advance. If questions, contact event coordinator Angie Grimm at 507-280-2195 or ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org. Deadlines Please pay special attention to our program and retreat dates and register at least one week in advance when possible. Advance registration helps us make important decisions regarding our programs and retreats, including seating arrangements. Cancellation When an event requires a registration fee but does not include a meal, your fee will be refunded in full if cancelled 24 hours prior to the event. When an event requires a registration fee and includes a meal, your fee will be refunded in full if cancelled 5 days prior to the event. When an event is cancelled by the Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, your registration fee will be refunded in full. Retreat Bedrooms Private bedrooms are available for personal retreats. To inquire about our availability, call 507-280-2195 or email ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org. Scholarships Scholarships may be available to help offset the cost of a program or retreat. Please email Angie Grimm at ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org or call 507-280-2195 to inquire about scholarship availability. Meeting Rooms Assisi Heights offers four unique meeting spaces to accommodate a variety of event needs. Assisi Heights Spirituality Center 150 person capacity Tek Lounge 80 person capacity Walters Conference Room 30 person capacity Barbara Moes Conference Room 8 person capacity To inquire about renting our meeting spaces please contact Angie Grimm, Event Coordinator at ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org or call 507-280-2195. Gift Shop The Assisi Heights gift shop is open 7 days a week from 12:15-1:15pm. To make a special appointment, please call Sister Dorothy Hansen at 507-282-7441. 18

R e g i s t r a t i o n I n s t r u c t i o n s To register, mail this form and payment to: Angie Grimm, AHSC Event Coordinator Assisi Heights Spirituality Center 1001 14th Street NW Rochester, MN 55901 To register online, go to: www.rochesterfranciscan.org and click on Events Questions? Call 507-280-2195 or email: ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org Program Title: Program Date: Name: Address: City: State: ZIP: Phone: E-Mail: Please note: if enclosed amount is for a deposit, balance is due upon arrival. - - - Check enclosed for Exp. date - Security code $ (on back of card) Please charge my credit card $ Signature of card holder Date Program Title: Program Date: Name: Address: City: State: ZIP: Phone: E-Mail: Please note: if enclosed amount is for a deposit, balance is due upon arrival. - - - Check enclosed for Exp. date - Security code $ (on back of card) Please charge my credit card $ Signature of card holder Date 19

Directions From the South US-52 N toward Rochester Take the ELTON HILLS DR/19TH ST NW exit, EXIT 56C Near the traffic light merge RIGHT on Assisi Drive Turn right and right again onto Assisi Drive Turn LEFT at 14th St/11th Ave NW traffic light Assisi Heights entrance is directly on your LEFT: 1001 14th St NW Rochester, MN 55901 From the North US 52 S toward Rochester Take the ELTON HILLS DR/19TH ST NW exit, EXIT 56C Take a LEFT over the bridge Turn RIGHT on Assisi Drive Turn LEFT at 14th St/11th Ave NW traffic light: Assisi Heights entrance is directly on your LEFT: 1001 14th St NW Rochester, MN 55901 From the West Merge onto US-14 E US-14 E becomes CIVIC CENTER DR NW. Turn LEFT onto 11TH AVE NW. Turn RIGHT onto 14TH ST NW. Assisi Heights entrance is directly on your LEFT: 1001 14th St NW Rochester, MN 55901 From the East Merge onto I-90 W. Merge onto US-52 N via EXIT 218 toward ROCHESTER. Merge onto CIVIC CENTER DR NW via EXIT 56A toward MAYO CLINIC. Turn LEFT onto 11TH AVE NW. Turn RIGHT onto 14TH ST NW. Assisi Heights entrance is directly on your LEFT: 1001 14th St NW Rochester, MN 55901 23

Sisters of St. Francis Assisi Heights Spirituality Center 1001 14th Street NW, Suite 100 Rochester, MN 55901-2525 The Essence of Assisi is published semi-annually by the Sisters of Saint Francis -Rochester, MN If your address changes, you prefer to receive additional news via email, or be removed from the mailing list, contact: AHSC Coordinator at 507-280-2195 or: ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROCHESTER MN PERMIT NO. 114